Homes evacuated as warehouse fire threatens to blow up cylinders

SCORES of residents had to be evacuated from their homes after a fire ripped through a builder's warehouse and threatened to blow up flammable cylinders.

Police set up a 300 metre cordon and evacuated at least 50 homes in Armadale, West Lothian, while around 50 firefighters battled the fierce blaze last night at the builders' merchants in High Academy Street.

The fire was so severe that the building has now fully collapsed.

Pupils heading to Armadale Primary School today had to take a diverted route through Avondale Drive and St Margaret's Drive. All other roads surrounding the building remain closed this morning due to the continuing risk of explosion from the gas cylinders.

Firefighters confirmed that they would have to remain at the scene throughout this morning.

Crews were called to the fire at around 2.45pm yesterday and managed to extinguish most of the flames. But ten firefighters are continuing to hose down highly flammable acetylene and propane cylinders, which are still at risk of explosion. This morning at 8am there were still a few "hot spots" where the building was still alight.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cylinders need to be cooled for 24 hours because when they're heated up they become unstable and can explode. The cylinders were right in the centre of the building, which makes them tricky to deal with. They are continuing to hose them down but can't get too close due to safety reasons.

"The crews are using ground monitoring equipment on the hoses, which fixes them in place, due to the possible dangers associated with acetylene cylinders.

"This well enable them to stay well back from the site as a precaution."

Fire crews had to request several extra engines during the operation after the water supply to the surrounding streets lost pressure.

Displaced local residents were taken to a community centre in Armadale with the help of police and council officers. An assessment was set to take place this morning to determine whether it was safe enough for them to return to their homes.

Building control officials will also visit the scene to assess the damage to the warehouse.

The building is known locally as the old chapel and was previously used as a social club. It previously served as a school at the turn of the last century.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police are currently assisting Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue at a fire in Armadale.

"The building contains potentially flammable material.

"As a result, residents in Mount Pleasant, James Street and High Academy Street have been evacuated from their homes.

"An investigation into the circumstances will be carried out in due course."